Innovation at Hyundai: Technology Inside Hyundai’s Ecofriendly cars

Hyundai is one of the leading automakers of the world. In the recent years, while the demand for ecofriendly cars has increased, several automakers have released hybrid and fully electric versions to match customer demand. Hyundai is an innovative brand and aspires to become a leader in ecofriendly vehicle segment. By 2020 it aspires to establish a full lineup of ecofriendly vehicles. Till now it has released 22 such cars of which 12 are hybrid electric vehicles, 6 are plugin hybrid electric vehicles, 2 are electric vehicles and remaining 2 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The focus of its Blue Drive strategy is to improve the functionality of automobiles while also reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Research and development at Hyundai continues to focus upon passenger safety and lowering carbon footprint. Here are some of the leading ecofriendly models made by Hyundai and the technologies inside them.

NEXO:

NEXO by Hyundai

Technologically-advanced 2019 NEXO fuel cell SUV is powered by Hydrogen energy and produces zero emissions. The hydrogen fuel cell engine of Nexo generates electricity by mixing oxygen with compressed hydrogen to create a flow of electrons. It’s the only mass-produced fuel cell SUV for the U.S. market boasting an estimated range of 380 miles. For driver safety and convenience, Nexo includes several features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA). Moreover, the car can be refuelled in as little as 5 minutes. Its three separate hydrogen tanks are there in the rear. With 161 peak horsepower (120 kW) and 291 lb.-ft. of torque, acceleration and power as well as overall performance of NEXO is better compared to Tucson fuel cell. Nexo Blue comes for a starting MSRP of $58,300 and Nexo limited for a starting MSRP of $61,800 in U.S. Nexo Blue has a range of 380 miles whereas Nexo limited that of 354 miles.

Nexo Specifications:

Engine

Max. Power (kW)120

Max. Torque (Nm)395

Max. Speed (kph)179

Fuel

Fuel Consumption

Motor Type Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

Battery Capacity (kWh)1.56

Transmission

Transmission 64 kWh Battery

Drive System Single Speed Reduction Gear

Prices :

Nexo Blue : $58,300 (starting MSRP )

Nexo Limited : $61,8000 (starting MSRP)

ix35 fuel cell:

ix35 fuel cell by Hyundai

ix35 is a third generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) by Hyundai. The company started the production of its ix35 fuel cell at its Ulsan manufacturing plant in January 2013. Hyundai became the first carmaker to start the commercial production of a hydrogen powered vehicle and first complete car rolled off the assembly line in Feb 2013. ix35 won the prestigious FuturAuto accolade for being he first commercially mass produced hydrogen powered vehicle. It is a third generation FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) from Hyundai. Tucson FCEV, introduced in 2005 was the first one to be powered by Hyundai’s first 80 kW (109 ps) fuel cell. ix35 comes loaded with a a 100 kW (136 ps) electric motor which allows it to achieve a max speed of 160 km/h. Equipped with two hydrogen storage tanks having a total capacity of 5.64Kg, the vehicle can travel 594 kms on a single charge. The vehicle can start reliably even in very low temperatures like minus 20 degree celsius.

A 24 kWh lithium ­ion polymer battery, which Hyundai has jointly developed with LG Chemical stores the energy. the fuel cells turn hydrogen’s chemical energy into electromechanical energy. A polymer electrolyte membrane lies sandwiched between the anode and cathode inside the fuel cell. Electric current is created in three stages:

When hydrogen gas flows the over the anode, it gets split into hydrogen ions (protons and electrons).

Only protons can pass through the polymer electrolyte membrane. Electrons travel to an external circuit operating the motor.

Electrons and protons react with oxygen at the cathode generating H20 which is the only waste product to be emitted from the tail pipes.

The motor develops 291 lb.-ft. of torque distributed to the front wheels. Power density of the powertrain inverter is 25.4 kVA per litre. The liquid cooled battery system operates at 356 volts. Battery pack has an energy density of 141.3 Wh/kg (more than Chevy Bolt). The entire battery system weighs less than 1,000 lbs. Apart from that Kona Electric EPA-estimated MPGe is 132 city, 108 highway, and 120 combined. The Kona Electric has a standard Level-II on-board charging which offers 7.2 kW rate of charge for fast recharging. Estimated range of the vehicle is a segment-leading 258 miles, designed to fit in the varying needs of owners’ lifestyles. You can achieve eighty percent charge in just 54 minutes with a Level-III quick charge (zero to 80 percent charge @ 100 kW charging capability), using the SAE-Combo charging port. For a 7.2 kW Level-II charger, it takes nine hours and thirty-five minutes to achieve the same. This fast-charging capability is standard on the Kona Electric. For extra charging convenience, the charging port is located in the front grille area. Park head in and start charging.

Sonata Hybrid:

Sonata hybrid by Hyundai

2018 Sonata Hybrid’s heart is alive with a 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission housing a powerful 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter is found. Its Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) delivers the same responsive, engaging driving features that Sonata riders expect. However, fuel economy is improved due to a larger electric motor.

The innovative transmission with an electric oil pump offers higher efficiency. Sonata Hybrid can run solely on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph with the gasoline engine decoupled from the rest of the drivetrain.

The Nu engine inside Sonata Hybrid produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. Its electric motor produces 38 kW (51 horsepower) and 151 lb. ft. of torque. Hybrid system net power is 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Sonata Hybrid SE has preliminary internal estimates of 39 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg combined. Total range of Sonata Hybrid is estimated at above 650 miles under typical driving conditions.

The lithium-ion polymer battery pack has capacity of 1.76 kWh. The battery pack fits under the trunk floor, allowing for a flat trunk floor as well as available 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Sonata Hybrid offers 13.3 cu. ft. of cargo volume, owing to to the compact battery pack dimensions and efficient design of the vehicle. Cargo volume is improved by placing the battery pack under the trunk floor. The total interior volume becomes 106.1 cu. ft., the highest in the segment.

Engine

2.0

Type Nu 2.0L GDI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder

Materials Aluminum block and head

Bore & stroke (mm) 81 X 97

Compression ratio 13.5:1

Displacement 2.0 liters / 1,999 cc

Horsepower 154 @ 6,000 rpm

Torque (lb-ft) 140 @ 5,000

Valves per cylinder 4

Intake system TIS

ELECTRIC MOTOR/BATTERY

Power output @ RPM 38 kW (51 HP) @ 1,770–2,000

Torque (lb.-ft) @ RPM 151 @ 0-1,770 rpm

Lithium-ion polymer battery system (capacity) 1.76 kWh

Lithium-ion polymer battery voltage -270V (max)

Pricing:

Sonata Hybrid SE : $24,250 (estimated net price)

Sonata Hybrid Limited : $29,800 (estimated net price)

Sonata plugin hybrid:

Sonata plugin hybrid by Hyundai

Although Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is technologically much advanced, its drive feels similar to the Sonata Hybrid. However, there is the additional benefit of extended all-electric range. A 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, which is more than five times larger than the one inside Sonata Hybrid, gives Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 27 miles. A level-two charger can recharge the vehicle in less than three hours. The power delivery of a hybrid gasoline engine is perfect for long trips with the additional benefit of environment- friendly all-electric range for commuting. Most drivers can commute daily without using a single drop of fuel. Total estimated range is an impressive 590 miles.

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has a six-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai’s Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED), a 50 kW electric motor, instead of a torque converter. The 50 kW electric motor is 32% more powerful than the one Sonata Hybrid has. It allows EV operation at higher engine load and speed. Due to the 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine coupled with the electric motor, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid can operate just like Sonata Hybrid once the onboard battery charge is depleted. Sonata Plug-in Nu engine produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. Total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

Engine

2.0

Type Nu 2.0L GDI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder

Materials Aluminum block and head

Bore & stroke (mm) 81 X 97

Compression ratio 13.5:1

Displacement 2.0 liters / 1,999 cc

Horsepower 154 @ 6,000 rpm

Torque (lb-ft) 140 @ 5,000

Valves per cylinder 4

Intake system TIS

ELECTRIC MOTOR/BATTERY

Power output @ RPM 50 kW (67 HP) @ 2,330–3,300 rpm

Lithium-ion polymer battery system (capacity) 9.8 kWh

Lithium-ion polymer battery voltage – 360V (max)

On-board charger – 3.3 kW

Pricing:

Sonata Plugin Hybrid: $31,900 (estimated net price)

Sonata Plugin Hybrid Limited : $37,500 (estimated net price)

IONIQ electric:

IONIQ electric by Hyundai

The Ioniq Electric by Hyundai has an estimated 136 MPGe rating which is the highest efficiency rating of all electric vehicles in the U.S. market. The Ioniq Electric has a 28.0 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery for an estimated driving range of 124 miles. Maximum output of the electric motor is 88 kW (118 horsepower) and 218 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a single-speed reduction-gear transmission.

Motor Type – Interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor

Motor Output – 88 kW

Horsepower Equivalent – 118HP

Torque 218 lb-ft

Pricing:

IONIQ Electric: $30,315 (Starting MSRP)

IONIQ Electric Limited: $36,815 (Starting MSRP)

IONIQ Plugin Hybrid:

IONIQ Plugin hybrid by Hyundai

The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a Kappa 1.6L direct-injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine having thermal efficiency of 40 percent and delivers an estimated 104 horsepower and an estimated 109 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is tailored to the hybrid application and combined with a quick-shifting six-speed dual-clutch transmission. This feature differentiates Ioniq from its key competitors by offering a more dynamic and engaging driving experience. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid’s 44.5 kW (60 horsepower) electric motor is paired with a 1.6-liter direct-injected Atkinson four-cylinder Kappa engine. High-efficiency electric motor of Plugin Hybrid has the capacity to operate at speeds up to 75 MPH and can deliver instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid provides an estimated all-electric range of 29 miles, 119 MPGe in EV mode and 52 MPG in hybrid mode. The vehicle is powered by a powerful 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.

Engine:

Type – 1.6L GDI Atkinson Cycle DOH, 4- cylinder

Materials – Aluminum block and head

Bore & stroke (mm) – 72 x 97

Compression ratio – 13.0

Displacement – 1,580cc

Horsepower – 104 @ 5,700

Torque (lb/-ft.) – 109 @ 4,000

Valves per cylinder – 4

Intake System – TIS

Motor Type – Interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor

Motor Output – 45 kW

Horsepower Equivalent – 60HP

Torque 125 lb-ft

Pricing:

IONIQ Plugin Hybrid: $25,350 (Starting MSRP)

IONIQ Plugin Hybrid Limited: $29,350 (Starting MSRP)

IONIQ Hybrid:

IONIQ Hybrid by Hyundai

The Ioniq Hybrid Blue model has an estimated 58 MPG combined rating, which is the highest for any non-plug-in vehicle in the U.S. market. Its electric motor delivers an estimated 32 kW (43 horsepower) with an estimated maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft.. The vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery with 1.56 kWh capacity. The battery is placed under the rear passenger seats. In combination with the 1.6-liter direct-injected engine, Ioniq Hybrid offers a total system output of 139 horsepower. Its emissions are low; however, efficiency and range are outstanding.

Abhijeet Pratap

I have studied Marketing and English Literature and like to write on topics in Business management, Marketing, literature, latest technologies and other areas. I also like to spend my time learning coding.